alcoons

Trip is now confirmed.

-- Please fill in the 1 minute questionaire about contact and safety info at http://goo.gl/forms/hgKWpqwvR0 as suggested by the NSPN CAM description. Please note that my cell number is in the introduction in case you need to contact me.

Al

Marblehead, Bakers, Misery

Date: Saturday 8/29

Launch: Riverhead, 9:45 AM (Beach Briefing 9:30 AM) to take advantage of the tides and hopefullly beat any thunderstorms.

Status: Need a minimum of 1 other committed paddlers to confirm. Confirmation will be posted on this thread.

Route: 12 miles: http://www.mappedome...maproute=454182 Depending on conditions, circumnavigate Bakers with stop on Misery ($5 for The Trustees unless you are a member) for lunch and walk. Misery Island is my single favorite lunch stop when kayaking in this area. Beautiful place, beautiful views, great history.

Put-in: Riverhead boat ramp (on the left). This is a state access ramp so there is NO parking charge. Bathroom facilities and a busy beach across the street.

Trip Type and Tone: Level 3. CAM. All stay together. Support each other. Conservative decisions. Should be comfortable with wind and waves.

Bring: Water & lunch, snacks, extra clothing, etc.

Tides: High Tide: Around 11:20 AM Low Tide 5:23 PM

Al Coons
Cetus
Red over white, mostly over

Canceled due to lack of interest and most likely poor weather.

Marblehead, Bakers, Misery

Date: Saturday 8/22

Launch: Riverhead, 9:30 AM (Beach Briefing 9:15 AM) to take advantage of the tides and hopefullly beat any thunderstorms.

Status: Need a minimum of 2 other committed paddlers to confirm. Confirmation will be posted on this thread.

Route: 12 miles: http://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=454182 Depending on conditions, circumnavigate Bakers with stop on Misery ($5 for The Trustees unless you are a member) for lunch and walk. Misery Island is my single favorite lunch stop when kayaking in this area. Beautiful place, beautiful views, great history.

Put-in: Riverhead boat ramp (on the left). This is a state access ramp so there is NO parking charge. Bathroom facilities and a busy beach across the street.

Trip Type and Tone: Level 3. CAM. All stay together. Support each other. Conservative decisions. Should be comfortable with wind and waves.

Bring: Water & lunch, snacks, extra clothing, etc.

Tides are perfect: Low Tide: Around 11:05 PM

Al Coons
Cetus
Red over white, mostly over

Sounds great. Can you give some info on total distance and level? Might even skip a Red Sox game!

Thanks,

Al

Fox Creek has never been an actual problem for me. Yes, on some trips you can see/hear some other boats approaching at too high a speed, but most slow down when they see you or slow down when you raise your paddles before they can see your boat. Often there is a officer sitting in a boat about 1/3 of the way through on weekends and that has put a damper on things. I would not hesitate to take the trip due to Fox Creek. Just anticipate an occasional fast mover and get your paddles up. Most people, as everywhere, are thoughtful and respectful.

Other opinions?

Al

Pablo d.T., Jeff C., Hill T. , Dave C., Dan F., Doug W., Tonia C., Liz N., David M., Nat M., Peter B. and Al C. launched on a beautiful warm day with very light wind from Pavillon Beach in Ipswich about 2.5 hours before high tide at just after 10 AM.

During the breach briefing there was a discussion of which bearing to take off the beach to deal with the significant flow of water into the Parker and Ipswich Rivers. One group suggested heading out past the day marker towards the distant Halibut Point while another felt we could paddle close to direct to the tree covered bluff below the Crane Estate. We seemed to cover all the bearings in between those two limits which close to the same results. It should be noted that the flow was not nearly as strong as some of the group had experienced on previous launches about this time relative to high tide.

We were a surprisingly homogenous for a group of this size. While we strung out a bit, short breaks brought the group together. The only problems came from the un-leader who managed to never make a correct statement. He stopped the group just before rounding the first sand bar along Cranes carefully describing the situation around the tip of Cranes even though it was still a half-hour away. He excitedly pointed out a British Air 747 which in fact was a small American Airlines jet. He carefully identify plastic "no wake" buoys as "channel markers" and later on managed to identify plastic "no boat" buoys as "channel markers". However, the other 11 members of the flotilla seemed to have their heads on straight and the trip was without incident.

While the backside of Cranes was expectantly crowded, we found a nice lunch spot 1/4 mile down from the tip. As Peter pointed out, Fox Creek was easy to find at high water level. A too-high motor boat fouled its prop making a u-turn as it approach us and the bridge. We later helped them clear it. There was also a few boats going too fast. In each case the lead paddlers indicated their unhappiness with this inappropriate behavior.

After a quick stop at the old PT Boat boatyard it was decided that due to predicted thunderstorms it would be unwise to do a second circumnavigation and we headed for takeout. We were surprised by whistling from Pavilion Beach and the very wide "no swim zone" that we had violated. Completely chastised and embarrassed, we landed about 2 PM

Thanks everyone for a great day,

Al

PS. On the drive home on Route 95 near Lynnfield I was hit by one of the strongest rains I have experienced. It only last one minute but the two cars in front of me managed to do significant damage to each other as they slammed on their brakes. Anyone else get hit by a storm? Glad we got off the water when we did.

Is it too late to join you? I don't yet have a reliable roll, but otherwise I'm level 3. I believe we paddled togther at Admiral Perry's this year.

I lost my roll years ago (bad shoulder). Join us. See previous post for link to a one minute survey for communication and safety.

al

Of course. Looking forward to the flotilla.

Al

Glad we have a nice size good and a good weather prediction at this point (Thursday midday)

-- Please fill in the 1 minute questionaire about contact and safety info at http://goo.gl/forms/6gtEu4KdrC as suggested by the NSPN CAM description. Please note that my cell number is in the introduction in case you need to contact me.

-- Our paddle is tide dependent. While we have plenty of leeway, let's launch on time if possible.

Al

We have three so this trip is confirmed! I hope others can join us. This has been a wonderful NSPN trip which has done every year.

Al

PS. Of course check here for last minute changes due to weather or seas.

Great Liz. Looking forward to paddling with you again. Al

Circumnavigate Crane's From Pavilion Beach

Date: Saturday 8/15

Launch: 10 AM, (Beach Briefing 9:45 AM).

Status: Need a minimum of 2 other committed paddlers to confirm. Confirmation will be posted on this thread.

Route: 11miles: http://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=451830 Circumnavigate Crane's from Pavilion Beach. First 4+ miles is open ocean along the beach. Parts of the first mile can be slow due to incoming current but we have all done it before.

Put-in: Pavilion Beach, Ipswich. See map under "route" above. Note: no formal bathroom facilities and a busy beach. Go before you leave Ipswich.

Trip Type and Tone: Level 3. CAM. All stay together. Support each other. Conservative decisions. Should be comfortable with wind and waves

Bring: Water & lunch, snacks, extra clothing, etc.

Tides are perfect: Hi Tide: Around 12:40 PM

Al Coons
Cetus
Red over white, mostly over

Thanks Pablo. I wonder if we can find a group to paddle this weekend. Sure wish there were more trips posted.

Hi Lisa,

Thanks Lisa. Actually, that was going to be my surprise for the trip, but the paddle is canceled due to lack of interest.

Boston Harbor Islands from Deer Island

Date: Saturday 8/8

Launch: 9:30 AM, (Beach Briefing 9:15 AM). Early departure to take advantage of the tides and the limited parking.

Status: Need committed paddlers to confirm. Confirmation will be posted on this thread.

Route: 12-14 miles: Tour of many of the Boston Harbor Islands including Boston Light if conditions are appropriate (note there are times when kayakers are not allowed to land at the light:

Put-in: Last parking lot (on left) on Tafts Avenue in Winthrop before you are stopped by the Deer Island gate (back about 1/4 mile?) http://www.gmap-pedo....com/?r=5974085

Trip Type and Tone: Level 3. CAM. All stay together. Support each other. Conservative decisions. Should be comfortable with wind and waves although at this point conditions appear very good.

Bring: Water & lunch, snacks, extra clothing, etc.

Tides are perfect: Low Tide: Around 12:30 PM, High Tide: Around 5 PM

Al Coons
Cetus
Red over white, mostly over

Well I am in as long as I can be the slowest paddler. We looking at 12 miles?

Due to lack of interest (understandable on a holiday and later posting) I will paddle closer to home and save the drive time. Have a great weekend.

Al

Saw a few beautiful red-centered jelly fish in Essex Bay on Tuesday between Conomo and Cranes. Probably swept in with the tide.

Sorry Jo. Cannot do the weekend.

Sorry dcycleman. Just paddled there on Saturday. Plus I am coming from Winchester and traffic could be wild.

Friday, July 3

Just need to get some miles in (8-12) at a relaxed but constant pace with a stop for lunch. High tide around 1 PM and it is suppose to be a beautiful day. Launch at Lanes Cove at 11:45 sharp and off the water by 3 PM at the latest. I know the Annisquam will be a zoo but sometimes I love to see the boats and people in all their holiday spirits. However, if you have other ideas let me know. Flexible.

You should be a confident paddler, self-rescue skills, good looking, able to tow me for miles, etc.

Al

Sorry, Have to drop out. Family commitments. Headed to Ireland to paddle Sunday and for some reason my wife would like to see me However, I am going to post a paddle for earlier in the day while she is at work. Have a great time under the moon.

Al

I see the light and it is good. I am illuminated!

Thanks,

Al

Could we get some info about additional equipment (lights?) for this night paddle?

Thanks,

Al

Just need to get some miles in (8-12) at a relaxed but constant pace with a stop for lunch. High tide is between 10 and 11 on Tuesday and it is suppose to be a beautiful day. Morning launch: Essex & Bay from Conomo, Lanes, Marblehead, Manchester (if we can park) or ???? Tides are not great for Boston Islands. Flexible. You should be a confident paddler.

Al

Cetus

Red over White

PS. Can anyone let me know (perhaps privately) about Manchester Parking this year. I know the frustrating town options have not changed.